The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

182 HISTORY OF INITIATION.
We now come to the system of Magic 10 inculcated by
the Scandinavians. The Scalds and Diviners established
a great reputation, and consequent influence over the
people, by the boasted power of composing charms, or
amulets, which possessed the quality of conferring favour
and protection on friends, and of hurling destruction on
their enemies. 11 This superstition was derived from
Odin, who acquired the reputation of being a skilful
magician, and was styled, by way of eminence, the father
of magic, from his introduction of the mysteries with
all their terrific machinery amongst this ignorant and
superstitious people. This potent individual boasted a
very high degree of mystical knowledge, which he im-
parted to but few, even of his most intimate companions ;
for it was a maxim with him, that " whatever is known
only to one's self, is always of the greatest value." 12 He
proclaimed himself capable of rendering the arms of his
enemies powerless to ; burst, by the repetition of a single
rhyme, the strongest chains of captivity ; to inspire his
foes with the utmost veneration for his person to ; strike
his adversary dead with a curse ; to pass through the
world with the rapidity of thought to assume at ;
pleasure,
the forms of wild and ferocious beasts to ; calm
tempests, disconcert magicians,
dead. 13
and even to raise the
10
Magic in general," says "Wait, in his Oriental Antiquities, (p.
135,) " may be conceived to have arisen from the mysteries of Persia
or Chaldea, and from the various illusions to which the Epopts were
submitted."
11 -A belief in the efficacy of these incantations, produced much real